Jimmy Carter accomplished a lot as the 39th president of the United States, but most people don’t realize the impact he had on translation and language relations. The televised event during which President Carter officially accepted his nomination as the Democratic candidate was the first time a sign language interpreter appeared on a nationally televised event. At Carter’s inauguration parade, he recognized members of the Navajo Code Talkers. This was important not only to acknowledge the cultural differences in the country, but also to show appreciation for their service in World War II and recognize that the war could have had a much different outcome without their help.
President Carter quickly learned the impact language barriers could have when he had his own speech mishap. While in Poland to give a speech, he had a line that included, “My desires for the Polish people.” The interpreter, who hadn’t seen a copy of the speech beforehand, translated that as, “My lusts for the Polish people.” It was interpreted in a way that had a more sexual connotation, and was quite embarrassing for the president. From that point forward, President Carter had his speechwriters consulting with interpreters, and he even delivered parts of speeches in other languages.
Under President Carter, the Court Interpreters Act was put into effect in October 1978. This would allow any person with limited English knowledge to have a court interpreter with them. Shortly after, he signed the Disabilities Act of 1978, which was later amended into the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law allowed the deaf community more access to interpreters.